Arti magiche, influenze diaboliche e malefici in Sicilia nei secoli XIV e XV

The information on magic in late medieval Sicily is poor, but the documents testify a mixture of magic, religion, and medicine. Alleged witches are often single women, without a surname that can place them in a familiar and social context. The evil spell cast by the slave Giorgio on the former master gives a glimpse of the magic rites that the slaves introduced in Sicily. The episode follows the patterns of traditional magic, and probably the slave is acquitted thanks to the intervention of his new master. Magic is an open field without spatial and social boundaries, Giorgio communicates his popular knowledge to apothecaries and merchant who listen to him, fear him, and follow his instructions. According to the sources the devil could instigate blood crimes, fraud, and treason, he could also make mischief between fellow citizens and encourage infighting.